Chains Need help deciding on studded or non-studded tire chains

[bullockcm]

I was in a similar situation last year and earlier this winter with a slightly smaller Kubota L4240 & R4 tires. Same size rear tires and slightly smaller front(10-16.5). I ended up going with the OFA EKO 8's on front and 9's on the rear. Not a lot of use so far, no damage to my concrete although I do plan on throwing something down just in case and obviously they provide the traction I was looking for. Clearance is an issue, my rear tires are in the 3rd widest position, this leaves roughly 2" clearance from the tire to the cab. On the insides I replaced the shackles with regular cross chain end links which has been fine. Front clearance is tight but seems to be fine so far. I also couldn't fine a central NY retailer/distributor and purchased directly from Windy Ridge Co in NH as referenced by other TBN users. It turns out Lisco II in Afton NY does business with Windy Ridge, my chains were shipped for free to Lisco II and he delivered them to me for free as well. Great customer service from both places but if I needed anything "logging" related again including chains I would check with Lisco II first. They can be found on the web but don't have a big web presence, if you would like their contact info let me know.

 

[greenrider1]

I've got the same problem with my R4's near freezing temperatures. I think it's like how ice skates work- by forming a water film between the contact surfaces. Did you engage the "posi-traction"? It's easy to forget. I can plow this drive uphill with bare R4's unless it's around 32F.

Yes I had to lock the rears to make it up a couple hills and use brakes to steer on side hills. I had a bit of a scare sliding sideways down a hill a little bit but luckily my rear tire lodged against a tree and I was able to drive out from there. I decided to make that my last load for the day before I ended up breaking something.

Your drive looks like a bit of a challenge with those ditches. Not much room for error.

 

[greenrider1]

I was in a similar situation last year and earlier this winter with a slightly smaller Kubota L4240 & R4 tires. Same size rear tires and slightly smaller front(10-16.5). I ended up going with the OFA EKO 8's on front and 9's on the rear. Not a lot of use so far, no damage to my concrete although I do plan on throwing something down just in case and obviously they provide the traction I was looking for. Clearance is an issue, my rear tires are in the 3rd widest position, this leaves roughly 2" clearance from the tire to the cab. On the insides I replaced the shackles with regular cross chain end links which has been fine. Front clearance is tight but seems to be fine so far. I also couldn't fine a central NY retailer/distributor and purchased directly from Windy Ridge Co in NH as referenced by other TBN users. It turns out Lisco II in Afton NY does business with Windy Ridge, my chains were shipped for free to Lisco II and he delivered them to me for free as well. Great customer service from both places but if I needed anything "logging" related again including chains I would check with Lisco II first. They can be found on the web but don't have a big web presence, if you would like their contact info let me know.

I just checked my clearance inside my rear tires and I have 2.5" at the narrowest spot. I could go wider but I'm already at 6' wide to the outside of each tire so I don't really want to set them any wider unless I have to. I looked up Lisco II and saved their number. Thanks for the info. I'll definitely give them a call when I'm ready to order.

 

[Poginy Hill]

How do ring-type chains (skidder chains) compare to studded chains?

 

[LouNY]

As a generalization,
the side links and cross chains will be heavier and stronger,
the rings in the center of the tires often have lugs cut in them.
They will provide a considerable increase in traction over conventional chains,
and in the woods an increase over the Euro style studded chains.
On hard frozen ground and any kind of pavement the ride is rough.